$290 million for more green and open spaces

Communities will have access to more open spaces and playgrounds, as part of a $290 million funding injection from the Government to make NSW communities more liveable and green.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the NSW Government had committed $100 million to secure strategic open green space while also setting aside an extra $20 million to build more than 200 new or upgraded playgrounds that are more inclusive and engaging.

The announcement is the first part of the NSW Government’s new $290 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package, with more announcements to be revealed in coming days.

Ms Berejiklian made the announcement at Livvi’s Place playground in Ryde alongside Planning Minister Anthony Roberts and local MP Victor Dominello.

“Having access to green open space is crucial in making communities thriving and enjoyable places to live,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We are committed to not only creating the jobs and infrastructure our communities need, but also the vital open and green spaces so that families can have the best quality of life.

“Our strong economic management means only a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government can invest in better local communities by creating more open space. We’ve heard the communities’ call to improve liveability and we are acting.

“This $120 million commitment is just the start and the Government will look to put aside further funds into securing open spaces and for new and upgraded playgrounds.”

The $100 million commitment will allow the Government to identify and purchase land for public open space. It comes after recent strategic land purchases by the NSW Government including 16 hectares of land in West Hoxton that comprises the critically endangered ecological community Cumberland Plain Woodland, which is to be dedicated open space.

An extra $20 million will go towards building new playgrounds in communities that currently do not have them, while also funding upgrades to existing playgrounds to ensure they have the most engaging and inclusive equipment.

“Through strategic planning and the purchasing of land we will be able to deliver quality parks and playgrounds for kids to play or open space to walk the family dog,” Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said.

“We are a Government that cares about the community and that’s why we want to ensure open space, parks, outdoor recreation areas and play spaces are able to be enjoyed by everybody equally.”

Mr Dominello said: “I have always been an advocate of enhancing our open spaces and am pleased this announcement has been made today at Livvi’s Place here in Ryde, one of the first inclusive playgrounds built by the Touched by Olivia Foundation.”

The $20 million Everyone Can Play in NSW program will fund Councils by way of grants to renew, renovate or build new playgrounds. The grant program will provide opportunities for Councils to construct new or renovate existing inclusive playspaces across all of NSW. The Government will work with community organisations and Councils to identify areas of high priority for new playspaces.